ABA secondary targets should be individualized by the target relation, distinctness, number of valid exposures, session time, primary-task demands, sensory and language access, and the person's experience. More targets can expand possible learning while reducing exposure per target or increasing burden. Define the initial set, rotate or retire targets by rule, monitor primary learning, probe each secondary target independently, and move unlearned priorities to direct teaching when appropriate.
Set secondary target load ABA plans can support
List every primary-secondary pairing, conceptual relation, exposure schedule, probe, and retirement rule. Avoid near-duplicate targets that make later probe accuracy hard to interpret. Check whether the full set fits the available time.
Keep exposure per target visible
A session with twelve secondary targets and twelve presentations gives one exposure each. A three-target set could give four each. Report targets, presentations, and valid exposures rather than describing both as the same dose.
Use research as a boundary
The review found a small early literature with some efficiency gains and unresolved questions. The schedule study shows presentation frequency can affect outcomes. Neither source supplies a maximum target count.
Protect meaningful goals
The BACB outline covers socially significant goals, skill assessment, and evaluation. The Ethics Code addresses involvement and risk. ASHA supports accessible presentation and response modes.
A practical example
Bo's team compares two four-target sets. Set A receives 16 valid exposures and yields 3/4 on later probes. Set B receives 8 exposures and yields 1/4. The team avoids attributing the difference to target count because exposure and content also differ.
Questions families can use
How many targets are active? How many valid exposures does each receive? Are targets meaningful and distinct? Does added information affect the primary lesson? When does a priority move to direct teaching?
Sources
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board, BCBA Test Content Outline, 6th edition
- Nottingham, Vladescu, and Kodak, Incorporating Additional Targets Into Learning Trials for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Nottingham and colleagues, The Influence of Instructive Feedback Presentation Schedule
- Morton and colleagues, Emergent Control for Play Responses Following Instructive Feedback
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Finni resources
